Once the mark of success in the Chinese film industry, RMB100 million is no longer considered high for a commercial film, with some blockbusters achieving that amount in a single day.

However, in an industry where a commercial film can occupy a third of all screenings slots on opening weekend, RMB100 million has often been an unattainable figure for small-scale films.

One previous "art film" to become a hit at the box office was WANG Quanan 王全安's White Deer Plain 白鹿原 (2012). Based on the popular novel, the epic drama — released in a shortened 156-minute version in China — made a surprising RMB133 million (US$21.4 million).

Black Coal was released in China in a slightly shorter edit than its Berlin cut.

While the two major prizes in Berlin played a role in Black Coal's commercial success, it's release was likely greatly helped by distributor Huayi Brothers, which has strong connections with cinema chains.

Black Coal will likely serve as a new textbook case on how small-scale art films can find wide acceptance in China.